[Graphic with a light blue sky background and white clouds with green circular trees dividing the image from the text. Photo is in a teal circle outline of a sun-kissed toddler worn on a tan skin bespectacled Asian woman's front in a pink linen woven wrap. The toddler is wearing a floral sun hat and holding a white dandelion. They're lakeside in front of a tree with spring green leaves, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Text in the bottom part of the graphic has two thin blue horizontal lines. In large bold teal text "Warm Weather Wearing." Bottom has black logo of a small loon on the back of a larger loon to the left of hand-lettered text "Babywearing Twin Cities."]

Summer is coming! Summer is coming! What a winter we have had here in Minnesota. Time to swap out the down jackets and boots for short sleeves and sandals! What about babywearing in warmer weather you might ask? Well, wearing a baby or toddler will be warm regardless because it’s body heat to body heat. However, there are some ways to keep you both more comfortable.

White woman with short hair and sunglasses standing outside at a water park. She is wearing a newborn with a white brimmed hat inside a white mesh water wrap, though none of baby can be seen.

Warm Weather Wearing Tips:

  • Use a wide-brimmed hat for you and/or baby for shade and to protect those sweet cheeks (you too!).
  • Avoid direct sunlight if possible. An umbrella is an option for portable shade.
  • Cooling towels can be great for adults but for little babies it may be hard to tell when it’s too cold for them – little babies aren’t able to regulate body temperature on their own as well. Use it for you but not on baby.
  • Stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle handy.
  • Dress you and the baby in light layers.
  • Take breaks from wearing. There may be a sweat print in the shape of a baby left on your shirt!
Image of a smiling tan skin bespectacled Asian woman with a purple wide-brimmed sun hat. She's wearing a sleeping baby on her front in a single layer carry using a black and white loon patterned woven wrap carrier. In hand is a cold pink boba slushie. They're outdoors at a fair on a sunny day.

In the land of 10,000 lakes where we live it up, in or near the water, water carriers are an excellent way to enjoy the water with our little ones. By keeping some important safety tips in mind, the pool, beach, and splash pad can be a fun place for everyone all summer long! The warm weather wearing tips above still apply. Below are some tips just related to wearing around water:

Water-Related Wearing Tips:

  • Baby should be visible and kissable while in an upright position. Wear your baby on your front or slightly off center on your hip in order to be able to monitor them closely at all times.
  • Only submerge yourself to your knees and absolutely no higher than your waist. No swimming, snorkeling, diving, etc. while wearing baby in the water!
  • Whether you are heading to the splash pad, playing in the sprinkler in the backyard, or showering while wearing, always be mindful of water entering or pooling near baby’s face to avoid inhalation or swallowing of water.
[Image of a white woman with brown hair and sunglasses wearing a baby on her front in a teal mesh water wrap over a teal dress. They're on a sandy beach.]

There are many carriers made to be used in/near water. We have several water-friendly options in our lending library. Note, not all baby carriers are meant to be splashed so check with the manufacturer if it isn’t clear in the carrier manual. The carrier material shouldn’t become heavy or saggy when wet and it typically dries quickly. Here’s a list of some water-friendly carrier options (not comprehensive):

  • Beachfront Baby
  • Bitybean
  • Boba Air
  • Connecta Solar
  • Cute Awaking Mesh Water Ring Sling
  • Kokadi Aqua
  • Naked Panda Designs
  • Sleeping Baby Productions Mesh Water Sling
  • TaylorMade Water Mesh Baby Sling
  • Wrapsody DuO
  • Zanytoes Splash
  • Zolowear Water Sling

For carriers that are not necessarily designed for water (some may have the option) but may be more breathable for warmer weather, check for breathability in material and construction. Here are some options (not comprehensive):

  • Baby K’Tan Breeze
  • Beco 8
  • Beco Gemini Cool
  • Beco Toddler Cool
  • Bjorn Baby Carrier One Air
  • Ergobaby Adapt Cool Air Mesh
  • Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh
  • Ergobaby Performance
  • Ergobaby Ventus
  • gauze wraps
  • Integra/Connecta
  • Lillebaby Carry On Airflow
  • Lillebaby Complete Airflow
  • meh dais/bei dais
  • onbuhimos
  • Onya (Pure has most mesh)
  • pouch slings
  • Tula Coast
  • ring slings
Image of a white woman from behind. She is wearing a white, blonde toddler on her back in a lime green onbuhimo. The background features a marsh and tall, lush trees.

If using a woven wrap, there are many single layer and one or no shoulder carries that may help with airflow and keeping a little cooler. Below are some ideas (not comprehensive):

(Image of a bespectacled, freckly, grumpy white mama wearing her preschooler on her back in a striped short woven wrap.)

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If you have any questions about babywearing, we encourage you to contact us and/or come learn in person at one of our meetings! Check out our Instagram @Babywearing.Twin.Cities and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BabywearingTwinCities/).

Images have image descriptions in the alternative text accessible to those who use screen readers.

Published by Babywearing Twin Cities

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